Where is your treasure?

Today, there were several instances when I was reminded that I cannot make these changes and I cannot receive my healing on my own and through my own efforts. The first time was as I listened to Dr. Charles Stanley's teaching (on TV this morning) where he said that anything that we try or obtain on or through our own efforts (without God) will fail. The next time was during Pastor's sermon where he stated that we have to stop doing things on our own. I cannot remember who else said it but it was during a casual conversation that took place today.

This evening, I sat down to have quiet time. God reminded me of a previous blog post where I referenced Matthew 19:26 which says, "With men, [this] is impossible, but all things are possible with God." Then God also showed me a familiar scripture reference but pointed out something new. He guided me to Matthew 6:31-33. As I read through the verses (that I have read many times), He specifically pointed to the beginning of verses 31 and 33. Then He put it together as: "Do not worry about what you eat or drink...but seek Me first and everything else will be added to you."

where is your treasure?

He had me turn back to the beginning of the chapter and showed me verse 21 (another very familiar verse): "For where your treasure is, there will your heart also be."

At this point, I asked God to slow down. You see, He was giving all of this to me so quickly and I was noticing that I was having a hard time keeping up. I also noticed that my legs were quivering. I knew what that meant. I grabbed my test kit and discovered that my glucose had dropped very low. I took care of that situation and went back to my time with God. He was so great in that He brought me right back to where we had stopped. He slowed down so that I could process all that He was saying. Then He spoke directly to me:

"My daughter, You are trying over and over again to find the solution on your own. Without Me, this is impossible. I do not want you to worry and fret about this, though I want you to make wise choices in eating. I want to guide you. But I also want you to examine your heart and see where your treasure is. Is it with Me? Or is it with the food that you constantly think about eating and that has its control on you? Seek Me, my love...my daughter."

I must confess: although I started this blog out of obedience to what God asked me to do, I had secret ambitions that this blog was going to be a big success and/or that it would be the "next big thing." As I sit here typing, I am thinking: Is this where my treasure is? Honestly, it doesn't matter if no one else ever reads this blog (including my family and friends). It doesn't matter if it ever gets high web traffic hits. All that matters is that I seek God as I do it and that I remain obedient to Him.

Blessings!

Judi

Oh Snickerdoodle!

Last Friday, I woke up with a head cold...just in time to head to G's for the cookie bake. My head hurts, my eyes hurt, my body hurts, and I have not had much of an appetite. I am starting to feel better but some of it still lingers. I honestly don't get sick often. Yet, I have now been sick twice in the matter of a month (except that the last time was the flu...nasty fever, chills/sweats, and the like).

oh snickerdoodle!

Anyway, I just haven't had the desire to eat the cookies that I baked on Sunday. That's a good thing! I love my Chocolate Chip and M&M cookies but I just can't get "in to" eating them. Tuesday night, Z and I finished baking the cookies from the dough that I had prepared at G's. Well, I can tell that I am starting to feel better because those Snickerdoodles have been such a temptation to me. I will admit it: I came home from Z's karate tonight and ate 4 cookies with a small glass of milk. You know what happened afterward...that's right: Now, why did I eat them?! One cookie (without milk) would have sufficed. But I chose to eat 4 cookies instead. Urgh! However, I cannot live under the guilt and condemnation. I made a poor choice but it's over. Today is a new day!

On the eating note, I am still working on ideas for breakfast. I want to kick this thing (carb-free eating) off after the new year. I am not doing it as a New Year's Resolution. I have simply chosen that time frame because of the holidays and Z and I will be at G's after Christmas (annual tradition).

Are you ready for Christmas? Do you have all your shopping done? We are almost done. The boys and I will be going shopping for My Love on Saturday and then we are finished. Have I told you that I am notorious for taking small presents and wrapping them in big boxes? Well, you should see the presents under the tree this year!! Lots of disguising going on!! :-)

Blessings!

Judi

Is it worth it?

Our weekend was fabulous! My Love and I spent quality time together, got most of the Christmas shopping finished, and enjoyed some delicious food. However, even though I did not go overboard on eating (aside from maybe our dinner meals), I ended up suffering for the food that I did eat. Unfortunately, I ended up with attacks of GERD both nights and I did not sleep well.


is it worth it?


So I ask myself, "Is it really worth it to eat that delicious food? Could I have enjoyed my meals and still made better choices?" I know that the answer to that question is Yes! In fact, I did make better choices for breakfast yesterday morning. I had a low-carb breakfast and it was still delicious.

I encourage you to ask yourself, "Is it worth it?" the next time that you decide to partake in some type of food or drink that you know could cause you issues afterward.




Blessings!

Judi

No One Will Ever Know

being sneaky

Have you ever felt like you could secretively do something and no one will ever know about it? I have told myself that lie many times. Perhaps the act will be hidden for a period of time. Eventually, it will be brought to light in one way or another.

This makes me reminisce of the time when My Love questioned our oldest son C (who was about 3 years old at the time) if he had gotten into the chocolate candy that was just recently purchased. C denied that he had anything to do with the missing candy. My Love asked him several times if he knew what happened to the candy. C insisted that he was not involved at all and had no idea. Well, let's just say that we knew that he was the culprit because the chocolate was smeared all over his face. :-)

I believe that, to a certain extent, I have been "sneaky" with food. There are times when I will grab something to eat and then head to another room to eat it quickly before anyone sees me. I know that this is wrong and I know that the sickening feeling that I get afterward is because it is wrong and deceitful.

God is omnipresent (all-knowing). He is everywhere and sees everything. In addition, the Bible has references to the fact that those things that are done in secret will be revealed (Ecclesiastes 12:14 and Luke 12:2). He knows everytime I "sneak" food. He knows before I even sneak it. I do find myself asking for a lot of forgiveness. Thank God that He always gives it!

Well, I am admitting right now that I know that I will eat some things this weekend that I shouldn't. You see...I am about ready to leave on a romantic getaway with My Love. For years, we have gone away for a weekend at the beginning of December. Our anniversary is right around Christmas. So, not only do we celebrate our years together, we also get lots of Christmas shopping done.

I will be back on Monday ready to start this quest of mine. I hope that you will check in with me again.

Blessings!

Judi

Let's Get Real (and an Introduction)

hiding from the truth

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am starting this blog as a means of chronicling my battle and, more importantly, my victory over food. I would not say that I am a food addict but I do use food as a means of comfort and in times of boredom. Of course, neither of these are good reasons for eating and they are unhealthy habits; hence, the blog name reference to gluttony. Unfortunately, my unhealthy eating habits have now led to medical problems.

After the birth of my first son, I put on weight. I gained 70 pounds (only 25 of which was a result of my pregnancy). Using various weight loss methods, I was able to lose most of the weight by 1999...just in time for my second pregnancy. At 7 months of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The gestational diabetes went away with the birth of my second son. I was told that I needed to lose the remaining weight (through healthy eating and exercise) as I was at a high risk for developing diabetes within 5 years. I ignored this warning and ate as I pleased because I wanted to eat what I wanted to eat when I wanted to eat it. I put back on 40 pounds.

Then in 2004, suspecting that I had diabetes, I braved the dreaded doctor visit. It was confirmed that I had in fact developed diabetes. I blamed myself for it. I had failed at my minute attempts to develop a healthy lifestyle. I had not taken my health or this impending medical condition seriously. I let it go and I was reaping the consequences of my poor choices. Now, the diabetes in and of itself has caused additional problems such as GERD, rosacea, eczema, high cholesterol, and a severe over-growth of yeast in my body (called candida) which comes with its own complications. Admitting that I have these conditions is a big move for me because I would rather hide these realities by putting my head in the sand. I would rather not share this truth with anyone. It is an embarrassment to me.

I have decided that I can't live this way any longer. It is time for change. I am taking a step of faith by admitting my medical conditions and by documenting my victory over them.

I hope that you will join me in this quest and even give your input along the way.

Blessings!

Judi